The Qualcomm QCA9985 is a Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) 2x2 MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output) Wi-Fi SoC (System on Chip), typically used in routers, access points, gateways, and other Networking Equipment. It integrates both the radio and networking functions for Wi-Fi connectivity and offers dual-band support (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).

QCA-9985-0-156DRQFN-MT-00-0

https://www.edaltech.com/products/wireless-network-chip/qca-9985-0-156drqfn-mt-00-0.html

If you are looking for equivalent ICs to the Qualcomm QCA9985, you would want to look for Wi-Fi chips that support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 2x2 MU-MIMO, and dual-band functionality. Additionally, you may also look at newer chips that support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), as Wi-Fi 6 is becoming more common in networking equipment.

Here are some possible equivalent chips from other manufacturers that provide similar functionality:

1. Broadcom BCM4366

• The Broadcom BCM4366 is a Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) chip that supports 2x2 MU-MIMO for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, making it a direct competitor to the Qualcomm QCA9985.

• Key Features:

  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with 2x2 MU-MIMO.

  • Dual-band support (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).

  • Supports advanced features like beamforming and QoS (Quality of Service).

  • Suitable for use in routers, access points, and mesh networks.

• Applications: Commonly found in Wi-Fi routers, gateways, and wireless access points.

The BCM4366 offers similar capabilities to the QCA9985, with dual-band Wi-Fi 5 and MU-MIMO support.

2. Broadcom BCM43684

• The BCM43684 is another Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) chip from Broadcom that supports 2x2 MU-MIMO and is optimized for high-performance home routers and access points.

• Key Features:

  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with 2x2 MU-MIMO.

  • Dual-band support (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).

  • Advanced beamforming support.

  • Low power consumption suitable for consumer-grade devices.

• Applications: Home routers, consumer Wi-Fi devices, and access points.

Like the QCA9985, the BCM43684 is designed for high-performance Wi-Fi solutions with 2x2 MU-MIMO support, making it a suitable alternative.

3. Qualcomm QCA9886

• The Qualcomm QCA9886 is another Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) chip in Qualcomm’s lineup that is a close alternative to the QCA9985.

• Key Features:

  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with 2x2 MU-MIMO.

  • Dual-band support (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).

  • Advanced features like beamforming and QOS.

  • Optimized for home routers, access points, and wireless networks.

• Applications: Suitable for consumer routers, access points, and Wi-Fi mesh systems.

The QCA9886 shares similar characteristics with the QCA9985, offering 2x2 MU-MIMO for dual-band Wi-Fi networks.

4. Qualcomm QCA9984

• The QCA9984 is part of the Qualcomm QCA99xx family, which supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and is designed for enterprise-grade routers and high-performance access points.

• Key Features:

  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with 4x4 MU-MIMO support.

  • Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).

  • Advanced beamforming and QoS support.

  • Higher overall throughput compared to the QCA9985.

• Applications: Enterprise-grade routers, wireless access points, high-performance network devices.

The QCA9984 provides 4x4 MU-MIMO, which is a step up from the 2x2 MU-MIMO in the QCA9985, and may be suited for high-density environments.

5. MediaTek MT7615

• The MediaTek MT7615 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) chip with 2x2 MU-MIMO support and is targeted at high-performance home routers and wireless access points.

• Key Features:

  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with 2x2 MU-MIMO.

  • Dual-band support (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).

  • Beamforming and other Wi-Fi optimizations.

• Applications: Found in routers, wireless access points, and Wi-Fi mesh systems.

The MT7615 is a Wi-Fi 5 chip that directly competes with the QCA9985 in the home router and access point markets.

6. Realtek RTL8812AE

• The Realtek RTL8812AE is a dual-band Wi-Fi chip that supports 802.11ac and 2x2 MIMO.

• Key Features:

  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with 2x2 MIMO.

  • Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).

  • Wi-Fi roaming support, beamforming, and low latency.

• Applications: Often used in consumer-grade routers, PCs, and laptops.

The RTL8812AE is a cost-effective solution for dual-band Wi-Fi in home networks and other consumer-grade applications.

7. Qualcomm QCA9882

• The Qualcomm QCA9882 is another Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) SoC similar to the QCA9985, offering a 2x2 MU-MIMO configuration with support for dual-band Wi-Fi.

• Key Features:

  • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with 2x2 MU-MIMO.

  • Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).

  • Beamforming and QOS support.

• Applications: Used in home routers, access points, and Wi-Fi mesh systems.

The QCA9882 is very similar to the QCA9985, offering similar features with a slight variance in performance optimization.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Equivalent:

When choosing an equivalent to the QCA9985, here are some key factors to consider:

• Wi-Fi Standard: The QCA9985 supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). If you need a Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) solution, you may need to consider newer chips, but if Wi-Fi 5 suffices, alternatives like the QCA9886, BCM4366, or MT7615 are great choices.

• MIMO Configuration: The QCA9985 supports 2x2 MU-MIMO. If you need higher throughput or support for more devices, look for solutions that support 4x4 MU-MIMO (e.g., QCA9984).

• Application: Ensure that the chip is suitable for your application, whether it’s consumer-grade routers, access points, or enterprise-grade networking equipment.

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Conclusion:

The Qualcomm QCA9985 is a solid Wi-Fi 5 solution with 2x2 MU-MIMO for dual-band routers and access points. Broadcom BCM4366, Qualcomm QCA9886, MediaTek MT7615, and Realtek RTL8812AE are some of the best equivalent ICs to the QCA9985 in the Wi-Fi 5 category. If you're looking for higher throughput or Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, you may need to consider more advanced chips, such as Wi-Fi 6 models from these or other manufacturers.